Earlier today we received this information from the BMC about Stanage Edge - a place many walkers and climbers love and use often. It is a great place to move from climbing on a wall to real rock. Anyway, I'll hand over to the BMC...

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is calling on climbers, walkers and everybody with a love for Stanage Edge, Derbyshire, to sign a petition to help safeguard its future.

Stanage is the most popular crag in Britain – maybe in the world – and a classic walking destination for millions of people who visit the Peak District every year. But decisions are being made that could change it significantly – and we need your help to state our case.

Stanage earlier this year

Right now, the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) is deciding the future of the North Lees Estate, which contains a large proportion of Stanage Edge and the surrounding moorland. The PDNPA is short of money and wants to generate more income from North Lees. We are concerned that could become its priority, over and above conservation and freedom of access.

Stanage was all but given to the PDNPA in the early 1970s by General Sir Hugh Beech on the understanding the estate would always be somewhere everyone could enjoy quiet recreation. We fear such freedoms could be threatened if the PDNPA tries to develop the estate’s commercial potential – an estate acquired with public money for public benefit.

We're asking people to Stand up for Stanage by signing our petition calling on the PDNPA to acknowledge and accept our Stanage Charter (below).

There has been no recent public consultation on the future of this public land, yet the PDNPA seems set to make far reaching decisions without having set out a sustainable vision for this iconic landscape. The nearby Eastern Moors Partnership is an excellent template for involving the public and setting out a plan for the future. The PDNPA is missing the opportunity to use it.

So the BMC is offering its own charter for Stanage; a charter for the future management of Stanage – whoever owns it. We are asking you to sign up to it so we can make the voices of all who care about Stanage heard by (the) National Park Authority.

The nine points of the Stanage Charter are:

This publicly-owned estate must be retained forever for everyone. It should never be fragmented.

North Lees Estate is on Open Access Land. Any commercial enterprise must not impede the spirit of access for all.

Key stakeholders – recreational users and the local community – must be consulted before decisions are made. There must be transparency in decision-making.

Caring for conservation, wildlife and landscape is paramount. There need be no conflict between this, adventure activity and quiet enjoyment.

People value Stanage as a wild area kept free from intrusive developments. This must be safeguarded.

The cultural and archaeological heritage of Stanage must be preserved.

Any revenue raised from the estate should be reinvested in the landscape.

Shooting rights should not be exercised.

The local economy relies on preservation of these values and open access.

Again, thanks to the BMC for this press release, please sign the petition to safeguard the future of Stanage.

]]>Sat, 06 Jul 2013 09:38:46 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/its-gonna-be-a-hot-oneForecasters have predicted that this weekend temperatures may soar up to 27°C - equal to that of the hottest day of the year about a month ago. That means that there are going to be loads more people on the hills. So the advice is, stay off of tourist destination mountains such as any of the 3 peaks, Helvellyn (especially Striding Edge), Catbells and any others.

Also make sure that you are caking on the sun cream since you will be more exposed to the suns rays on the mountaintops than you would be in a valley as there is less shade. Also be sure to take more water with you or a water purifier since you'll probably be sweating quite a bit!

Apart from that, make the most of it and take some pictures of the great views you get. Tweet them to us @mountainhikesuk!]]>Sun, 05 May 2013 18:24:45 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/kelly-holmes-supports-climbings-2020-dreamJust an update on climbing maybe becoming an Olympic sport - Dame Kelly Holmes, double gold medalist has given her support to the bid. Saying “The proposed triathlon format for Sport Climbing’s bid for the 2020 Olympic Games sounds like a great concept. I know climbing is very popular with young people and the format fits perfectly with the Olympic motto of Faster, Higher and Stronger. “I know the case for inclusion in the Olympic Games is becoming tougher all the time, it could go down to the wire when the final choice is made by the IOC in September. Hopefully the general public will see that Sport Climbing has a big future ahead.”

We will continue to keep you up to date with climbing's bid on becoming an Olympic sport as it (hopefully) gains yet more support.]]>Fri, 03 May 2013 19:03:31 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/we-support-britain-on-foot

We have stepped forward to support a new national campaign designed to get more people active in the outdoors, leading to a happier, healthier nation. Britain on Foot is launched this week and is being led by outdoor trade body the Outdoor Industries Association (OIA), backed by a powerful combination of consumer organisations, outdoor companies, influential individuals and public bodies, including Visit England and Change4Life. The Government is also getting behind the campaign, and ministers from the Department of Health and Department of Culture Media & Sport (incorporating responsibility for tourism) have voiced their support.

Ultimately, Britain on Foot aims to get one million more of the UK population participating in outdoor activities, bringing significant benefits to the health of the nation and boosting domestic tourism in the process. Wherever people live in the UK, they don’t have to travel far to discover beautiful scenery or enjoy any number of outdoor adventures, thanks to an abundance of hills, mountains, valleys and rivers, or a dramatic coastline. Danny Boyle was able to capture the essence of this during the opening ceremony of London 2012 last July, before transforming the arena into a crucible of heavy industry. The good news is that despite the ravages of the modern world, much of this country’s green and pleasant land remains exactly that, and it is just waiting to be explored.

Crucially, particularly in this time of austerity, access to outdoor activities is easy and relatively inexpensive - apart from anything else, the venue is often free. Britain on Foot will offer many pathways into the outdoors for people of all ages and levels of fitness, guiding them as they get healthier and happier. We fully support the aims of Britain on Foot and will be playing its part in the campaign.

One of the key objectives of Britain on Foot is to encourage existing outdoor enthusiasts to persuade relatives, friends and colleagues to explore the outdoors. The campaign aims to give those people the ideal inspiration and opportunities to get outside. Anyone can get involved in Britain on Foot, simply by getting active in the outdoors.

Everything everybody needs to know about the campaign can be found in three main places:

The campaign website – www.britainonfoot.co.uk. The site hosts BoF news and a comprehensive calendar of events that are being promoted under the programme banner.

Twitter, via @BritainonFoot. BoF news and event information will be tweeted throughout the year. People can even show their support by adding a Twibbon to their own Twitter profile pic and help spread the word.

Facebook, at www.facebook.com/BritainonFoot, where the latest news will be posted and the public can share their own experiences of the outdoors with others, along with photos.

In addition, BoF has teamed up with the Department of Health’s healthy living initiative, Change4Life, which will run an activity based campaign throughout the summer. BoF will feature in that campaign and on the Change4Life website (http://www.nhs.uk/Change4Life/Pages/change-for-life.aspx).

Britain on Foot has the potential to help transform lives and play a big role in improving the health of the nation and we intend to make a significant contribution to the campaign. To find out more about Britain on Foot visit www.britainonfoot.co.uk, email bof@theoia.co.uk, or follow @BritainonFoot on Twitter.

]]>Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:13:09 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/climbing-may-become-an-olympic-sportSpeed climbing, lead climbing and bouldering are all sports that are being considered for Olympic status in 2020. This announcement came on the 9th March by the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) after a group of International Olympic Committee (IOC) representatives visited the 2012 world climbing championships in Paris where lead, speed and bouldering competitions took place. This format will be championed by the IFSC gives its presentation to the IOC Executive board in May, along with seven other sports bidding to be included in the 2020 Olympics. The shortlist will then be narrowed down to 3 sports and the IOC's final decision should be announced by September.

The 'triathlon' of climbing would take place over 6 days with 2 days devoted to each discipline. Competitors would then be awarded medals for overall performance in all 3 disciplines. Previously the IFSC proposed lead climbing as a single discipline for the Olympics which was unfortunately later turned down. Here is what the BMC CEO - Dave Turnbull had to say...

“It’s exciting to hear that a combined event of all three climbing disciplines is being put forward for consideration for the 2020 Olympics. This will make it even more impressive to watch."

“Climbing embodies the Olympic motto perfectly and even more so with this combination: Faster – speed climbing; Higher – lead climbing; Stronger – bouldering."

“The next couple of months are crucial for climbing’s bid. We’re a step closer to knowing what climbing would look like at the Olympics and we’re hoping it’ll become a reality. The switch to a multi-discipline event may be just what’s needed to secure a place for climbing on the shortlist in May. Fingers crossed.”

Unfortunately this proposal came too late to be in the 2012 London Olympics but we hope to keep you up to date with this story.

Glasgow is hosting the 2014 commonwealth games and London is also considering bidding to host the 2022 commonwealth games: any chance of climbing being included in the commonwealth games too? (A little optimistic: I know)

It will soon be Easter, but it’s still full-on winter in Scotland’s mountains. That’s the message behind this joint statement from the Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) and the British Mountaineering Council (BMC). The MCofS and BMC advise that climbers and hill walkers need to be realistic about the seriousness of the Scottish mountains at this popular time of year, and of the need to match knowledge and experience to mountaineering objectives. This Easter warning is being issued because:

Easter in Scotland is popular with groups travelling from further afield 

Easter is quite early this year 

The current winter conditions could continue through and beyond the Easter weekend.

Sadly this winter has seen a significant death toll on Scotland’s mountains, many of them related to avalanches. Avalanche awareness should be a key component of planning a trip to the mountains over the Easter holiday period.

Anyone heading to the Scottish mountains at Easter is being encouraged to give serious consideration to the following ten-point checklist:

Check the mountain weather and avalanche forecasts.

Follow the MCofS on Twitter and Facebook, and check our “Something for the weekend” #sftwe safety tips on Fridays and Saturdays. These messages warn of likely hazards over the coming weekend.

Be realistic about your ability to interpret and act upon weather and avalanche forecasts.

Be prepared to lower your expectations if weather, visibility and pace dictate.

Day length increases at this time of year, but it is still easy to be caught out after dark. Everyone in a group should carry a head torch and spare set of batteries or a spare head torch with new batteries.

Be aware of everyone else in your group and don’t allow your group to get separated in poor visibility.

Never be afraid to turn back. The most important objective of a day in the mountains is for there to be more days in the mountains in the future.

“There are always more visitors to Scottish mountains at Easter and Whitsun and we urge them to act upon this advice. Many are keen to get to grips with the mountains, but the pattern when I was part of the Skye Mountain Rescue Team was for a high number of incidents at Easter. This was due to a number of factors, including loose holds after winter ice had loosened everything up, together with very icy old snow patches in critical shaded spots. Both factors caused fatalities in the Cuillin at Easter.”

- MCofS President, Brian Linington

“The mountains of Scotland are glorious places to walk and climb. Go prepared, plan and heed the advice that is available. Remember conditions can change quickly and you may need to adjust those plans and expectations accordingly. Enjoy the challenges and spectacular scenery that Scottish hills have to offer but, most importantly, get back down safely.”

-BMC Deputy CEO, Nick Colton

We echo these tips too and hope you have a great Easter in the mountains!

]]>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 17:15:36 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/how-climate-change-will-affect-us-allOur climate is getting more extreme and you have to look no further than the UK last year: the wettest drought on record aswell as various other climate extremes across the globe. So, when we received an email about an info-graphic that has recently been produced to highlight these problems we thought it fit that we share it. You can take a look below: some of the facts are very shocking (its quite big: so you'll have to click read more if you haven't already!).

]]>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:39:24 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/mountaineering-bodies-issue-safety-reminderToday: after the recent fatal avalanches in Scotland the mountaineering bodies have issued the following safety reminder. 'With Scotland’s hills and mountains currently at their most beautiful and most challenging, mountaineering bodies today (21 February) have issued a joint safety reminder, emphasising the need for preparation before heading out into the mountains. Whether you’re out walking or attempting a technical climb, the presence of snow and ice adds an extra dimension to the risks and rewards of a day spent in our wildest environments. The primary consideration of every expedition, whatever the season, should always be a safe return. But conditions in winter make particular demands: shorter days, low temperatures and conditions underfoot which can quickly alter.

Preparation is an essential component of every day on the hill, and especially in winter.

Preparation not only includes carrying the correct equipment – and knowing how to use it – but getting the latest weather forecast and checking the status of hazards like avalanche risk. It’s essential also to assess whether the chosen activity is within the ability of all the party as well as the time available.

For many climbers and hill walkers, preparation is not just necessary but enjoyable. Preparing correctly displays the signs of thoughtful competence towards safe movement in the hills that is the mark of a good mountaineer.

Effective navigation, knowing when your limits have been reached and whether to turn back, are also extremely important. Turning back must not be considered a failure.

The benefits of recreation in the hills are numerous and widely recognised. Hill walkers and mountaineers find their lives are enriched by their experiences. These are best realised through planning and preparation, recognising all the challenges the journey may present.

The BMC, the MCofS and the SMSF continue to offer advice on good practice in the hills, acting as a resource for mountaineers and hill walkers of all standards to make their visit to the mountains as safe as possible.

General advice and information

Contacts

BMC Nick Colton 0161 438 3305

MCofS Heather Morning 01479 861241

SMSF Alfie Ingram 01382 668193The British Mountaineering Council, Mountaineering Council of Scotland, and the Scottish Mountain Safety Forum very much regret the recent mountain tragedies, and extend their deepest condolences to the bereaved families.'

]]>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 20:28:52 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/the-brecon-beacons-turn-to-the-dark-sideOn Tuesday 19th 2013 the Brecon Beacons (in Wales) became the 5th International Dark Sky Reserve. That's one of only 5 places in the world! It joins 2 other British places: Exmoor (in Devon, England) and the Galloway Forest Park (in Scotland). The two other sites are Mont Mégantic in Quebec and NamibRand nature reserve in Namibia.

So really there's no better place to go wild camping than the UK: we do after all have 3 of the 5 International Dark Sky Reserves. Take a look at our guide to wild camping at http://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/wild-camping.html to find out how you can enjoy those dark skies.]]>Wed, 30 Jan 2013 21:57:03 GMThttp://mountainhikesuk.weebly.com/news/no-nuclear-waste-in-cumbriaToday Cumbria voted against the proposed £12bn project to dump nuclear waste in the area which threatened the Ennerdale valley. Thanks to those of you who signed the BMC petition: you've helped save the area for future generations.]]>